Save Energy in Germany
Energie Sparen – Guide for Expats
Complete guide to saving energy in your German home. Learn the best tips and save up to €850/year by switching providers.
What is "Energie Sparen"?
"Energie sparen" means "save energy" in German. In Germany, where electricity prices are among the highest in Europe, reducing your energy consumption and finding cheaper providers are essential skills for every resident.
The German electricity market is liberalized, meaning you can choose from hundreds of providers. The single most effective way to save is switching from your local basic provider (Grundversorger) to a competitive alternative.
Key German Terms for Energy Saving
Stromverbrauch
Electricity consumption (measured in kWh)
Standby-Verbrauch
Standby power consumption (hidden energy drain)
Steckerleiste
Power strip (get one "mit Schalter" = with switch)
Anbieterwechsel
Provider switch - biggest savings potential!
Ökostrom
Green electricity from renewable sources
Energieeffizienzklasse
Energy efficiency rating (A+++ is best)
6 Most Effective Energy Saving Tips
Die 6 effektivsten Energiespar-Tipps
LED Lighting
LED-Beleuchtung
80-90%Replace all bulbs with LEDs. 10W LED = 60W incandescent.
Kill Standby
Standby abschalten
€100/yearUse power strips with switches for TV, computer, chargers.
Optimize Fridge
Kühlschrank optimieren
20-30%Set to 7°C fridge, -18°C freezer. Defrost regularly.
Washing Machine
Waschmaschine
50%Wash at 30°C instead of 60°C. Use eco program, full loads only.
Smart Heating
Richtig heizen
6%/°CEach degree less saves 6% on heating. 20°C living room is optimal.
Switch Provider
Anbieter wechseln
€850/yearBiggest savings potential! Free switch, no power interruption.
#1 Tip: Switch Your Provider
Save up to €850/year without changing your habits
Complete Guide to Saving Energy in Germany
Energie sparen is not just good for the environment—it's essential for your wallet. With the right measures, you can reduce your electricity costs by several hundred euros per year. The most effective method is often the simplest: switching to a cheaper electricity provider.
Provider Switch: The Fastest Way to Save
Many households pay inflated prices at their local basic provider (Grundversorger). Without any behavior change or investment, you can save an average of €500-850 per year by switching. The switch is free, takes only a few minutes, and guarantees uninterrupted power supply.
Everyday Energy Saving Tips
Beyond switching providers, there are many ways to save energy daily: LED lighting reduces electricity consumption for lights by up to 90%. Turning off standby devices completely saves about €100 per year. Washing at 30°C instead of 60°C cuts energy use in half. Each degree less on your heating saves about 6% on heating costs.
Green Energy (Ökostrom)
Energy saving and environmental protection go hand in hand. Ökostrom tariffs are often just as affordable as conventional electricity today. With a switch to green energy, you save money while contributing to climate protection. Our comparison tool shows you attractive Ökostrom offers.
Start Saving Energy Today
The fastest way to lower electricity costs: Compare now and switch to a cheaper provider. Free, easy, and without power interruption!
Frequently Asked Questions
Häufige Fragen zum Energie Sparen
How can expats save energy in Germany?
Wie können Expats in Deutschland Energie sparen?
The biggest savings come from: 1) Switching to a cheaper electricity provider (saves up to €850/year without changing habits), 2) Using LED lighting (90% less consumption), 3) Turning off standby devices (saves €100/year), 4) Using A+++ rated appliances, 5) Proper heating and ventilation practices.
Which appliances use the most electricity in German homes?
Welche Geräte verbrauchen am meisten Strom?
The biggest electricity consumers are: Refrigerator/freezer (10-15%), electric water heating like 'Durchlauferhitzer' (15-25%), washing machine and dryer (10-15%), lighting (8-12%), entertainment electronics (10%). Old appliances often use 50% more than modern models.
Is switching electricity providers worth it for saving energy costs?
Lohnt sich ein Anbieterwechsel?
Absolutely! Switching providers is the fastest way to save on electricity costs. Without any behavior change or investment, you can save €500-850 per year. The switch is free and there's no interruption to your power supply. Your new provider handles all the paperwork.
How much can I save by turning off standby devices?
Wie viel spart Standby-Abschaltung?
Standby devices constantly consume power - often 5-10 watts per device. In an average household, this adds up to €100 or more per year. Using power strips with switches ('Steckerleiste mit Schalter') lets you eliminate this waste completely.
Are LED lights really more efficient?
Sind LED-Lampen wirklich sparsamer?
Yes, LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. A 10W LED replaces a 60W incandescent bulb. With 3 hours of daily use, a single LED saves about €15-20 per year. The purchase cost pays for itself within months.
Start Saving Energy Today!
Switch to a cheaper provider and save up to €850 per year.